12 fun facts about Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Ibrahimović began his professional journey at Malmö FF in 1999 and subsequently joined Ajax two years later. During his time at Ajax, he established himself as one of the most promising forwards in Europe.

After a brief stint, he made a move to Juventus before eventually joining Inter Milan, a domestic rival, in 2006. At Inter Milan, he achieved remarkable success by securing three consecutive Serie A titles, which significantly boosted his popularity.

In the summer of 2009, he embarked on a high-profile transfer to Barcelona, which was one of the most expensive transfers in the world. However, after just one season, he returned to Italy and signed with Milan, Inter’s rival club.

In his debut season with Milan, he played a pivotal role in winning the Serie A title. Over the course of his 20-year international career, Ibrahimović represented the Swedish national team and became one of only eleven players to make 100 or more appearances.

He holds the record for the most goals scored in the history of Swedish football, with 62 goals. Additionally, he participated in the FIFA World Cups of 2002 and 2006, as well as the UEFA European Championships of 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016, proudly representing Sweden. Here are some fun facts about him.

1. Sweden’s all-time goal-scorer!

Ibrahimovic is widely regarded as one of the most exceptional Swedish footballers in history, having achieved the remarkable feat of scoring the highest number of goals for the Sweden national team with an impressive tally of 62 strikes.

Prior to his retirement a few months ago, he held the esteemed position of being the all-time leading goal-scorer for Sweden. His remarkable record surpasses that of other legendary players like Sven Rydell, Gunnar Nordahl, Henrik Larsson, and Gunnar Gren.

2. He’s generous

In 2013, during his dominant spell in the French Ligue 1 with PSG, Zlatan showcased his generosity and consideration for others. He presented each of his teammates with a personalized limited edition Xbox 1, bearing their own signature and name. While it may not have been entirely selfless, it was a thoughtful gesture to express gratitude for their support.

3. Played for Serie A big three

Ibrahimovic stands among the elite group of players who have proudly represented the prestigious trio of Milan, Inter, and Juventud in Serie A. Notable footballers like Christian Vieri, Edgar Davids, Andrea Pirlo, and Roberto Baggio have also graced these iconic clubs with their exceptional skills and talent.

4. Numerous awards and over 500 career goals

Ibrahimovic belongs to a few players who have achieved over 500 career goals. He has earned multiple accolades for his goal-scoring abilities, such as numerous top scorer awards, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier strikers of his era. However, his statistics do not quite match those of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

5. Oldest Serie A goalscorer

In March 2023, Ibrahimovic made history in Serie A as he became the oldest player to score a goal. During AC Milan’s match against Udinese, the Swedish international successfully converted a penalty in the first-half stoppage time, equalizing the score after his team had fallen behind early in the game. At the remarkable age of 41 years and 166 days, Ibrahimovic surpassed the previous record held by Alessandro Costacurta from his time at Milan.

6. Nicknamed Ibracadabra

Ibrahimovic was given the moniker Ibracadabra due to his creative and skillful playing style. A standout moment was his goal for Ajax against NAC Breda, where he weaved past multiple defenders before calmly scoring. Another memorable display of his unique talent was the iconic bicycle kick against England.

7. Has lots of Tattoos

Ibrahimovic possesses an ardent devotion to tattoos that mirrors his extraordinary persona and his fondness for self-expression. Renowned tattoo artists from around the globe have adorned his body with ink, transforming his tattoos into an emblematic aspect of his identity and personal brand.

Encompassing a significant portion of his physique, these tattoos narrate the tale of his life, his fervors, and his convictions. Ranging from depictions of himself and his spouse to symbols representing fortitude and authority, Zlatan’s tattoos serve as a mirror to his individual odyssey and the values that hold utmost significance to him.

8. Once had his own clothing line

The A-Z clothing line by Zlatan Ibrahimovic came to an end after a span of two years, facing a significant loss of $18 million. Launched in 2016, the line aimed to capitalize on the fame and image of the Swedish footballer to generate substantial revenue.

Despite the initial excitement and financial backing, the venture proved unsuccessful in attaining profitability, ultimately leading to its closure.

9. About £150 Million on him throughout his career

Zlatan has been the recipient of more financial investment from clubs than any other player in history. He commenced his career at Malmo, subsequently transferring to Ajax in the Netherlands, then to Juventus in Italy.

He later moved to Milan to play for Inter, followed by a stint at Barcelona. After returning to Italy to represent AC Milan, he ventured to Paris St Germain in France, and has now finally arrived in England to join Manchester United.

However, his true value has been demonstrated through his remarkable achievements. Zlatan managed to score in his debut matches in Italy, Spain, and France, and furthermore, he triumphed in the league during his inaugural season in each of these countries.

10. Passion for martial arts

Zlatan has a deep passion for executing incredible overhead kicks and playfully kicking his teammates in the head. It is worth mentioning that his remarkable skills have not escaped the attention of the Italian Taekwondo Team, who bestowed upon him an honorary black belt. This prestigious recognition adds to the black belt he earned at the age of 17 in Sweden.

11. His name is in the Swedish dictionary

Zlatan has become a legendary figure in Sweden, so much so that his name is now officially recognized as a verb in the Swedish Dictionary. When someone says “To Zlatan,” they are referring to the act of excelling or showcasing exceptional skill.

12. Has an impressive collection of luxury cars

Ibrahimovic is known for his lavish lifestyle, which includes a wide range of luxury cars. The Swedish footballer possesses an impressive array of high-end vehicles such as a Lamborghini Aventador, Ferrari 599 GTO, Audi RS6, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, and a Porsche 911 Turbo S.